Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax ist DL2

Below is a detailed overview of the Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the SZ-15 (16MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the SZ-15 (1/2.3") and ist DL2 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizes.

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The SZ-15 was revealed 7 years later than the ist DL2 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus SZ-15 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ-15 matches up versus the ist DL2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-15 and Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-15 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-15 provides exterior measurements of 108mm x 70mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.6") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DL2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-15 vs Pentax ist DL2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the SZ-15 vs the ist DL2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-15 and ist DL2 is 88 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The visual below might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-15 and ist DL2.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ-15 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus SZ-15 will produce greater detail because of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The newer SZ-15 provides a benefit in sensor technology.